Monday, September 28, 2009

Mondays are an insane day for me. But today it was made better by the fact that Eric had the day off for Yom Kippur which meant I came home to a clean kitchen, dishwasher emptied and our brand new silverware cleaned and organized. Oh how I love non-football Eric. Also, on the same note- the little girl I tutor on Mondays celebrates Yom Kippur which meant no tutoring. AND although I did not have the day off school, they did not schedule a faculty meeting so BAM- free time. Of course I did have a doctors appointment but something about sitting back and letting others do their job is a bit easier than me doing it. I got to end the day with spinning with 2 of my friends from work. One of the guys in the class was trying to get the instructor to do leg isolations for LONGER. My friend noted that he is totally like that guy in grad classes who is STILL asking questions when class is supposed to be over. Seriously. What is wrong with these people?

So today I had my first stomach doctor appointment. I probably should've had one of these 2 1/2 years ago when I was diagnosed with IBS...but I didn't. I was finally convinced to go this year by my primary care and it turned out (after having random blood work done) that I had some liver levels (lol, that is so not what it is called but I have a very un-scientific mind sorry) that were high and I had to see this doctor anyway so perfect that I already had an appointment. My doctor's operation was: figure out stomach problems, figure out liver problems. My operation was: figure out why I am 25, eat healthy, exercise frequently and have more health problems most older people I know...

The doctor said the most likely connection between stomach and liver issues (specifically mine) is celiac. NOOOOOO. Seriously no. I refuse to give up bread. I was READY to accept that diagnosis 3 years ago when I was feeling terrible all the time. Now I get IBS...let's just have IBS. I like my bread, I like my pasta. I do not like the gluten free versions of these. And so, let's hope it is not celiac. The good news is: 1. I was already tested for celiac and it came up negative (of course, the doctor said the test is not used anymore because its not that reliable- but still) 2. Celiac would not explain why my stomach gets worse with stress. The bad news is, if it is celiac I might cry. A lot. But then after that I will find all the bloggers who eat gluten free and I'll experiment and eventually I'll learn to deal with that too. Of course.

On another note, I have started writing articles for this online magazine type of thing. Check out my first 2: Pumpkin Math and Breakfast Ideas for IBS (even if you don't have IBS, they are still healthy!).

I'll update you guys tomorrow on the blood test results (or at least as soon as I know anything).

Oh my GOSH. I am so sorry, but do you know what? It's not as bad as you think! As long as you have the right resources. IS it for sure Celiac? Or is your doctor still looking at other things? I will send you some great websites to use as resources, and you should contact the blog "Lessons to Learn", she just got diagnosed with Celiac.

I think you can have ice cream, but certain types/brands might have gluten. You'll have to get an ice cream maker!

Oh my, I'm crossing my fingers for you! I went through the same thing about five years ago. Doctors thought I was lactose intolerant, tested me, thought I *MIGHT* have Celiac's (and I proceeded to freak out) but then ended up diagnosing me with IBS. Which, even though I have a diagnosis, it's kind of irritating because sometimes I feel like no matter what I eat, I *still* get sick.

Wow, I hope that the diagnosis is not celiac. I feel for you in not wanting to give up bread and pasta, but your attitude is great. It will seem awful at first, but you will learn to live with it and find people who can help.

Congrats on writing articles for that website! I am going to check it out.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I so understand how limiting it can be. I have not been diagnosed with Celiac and like you, the test I had a couple years ago was negative. I got the IBS diagnosis too. There are times when I am okay, and then times, like the first 3 weeks of September when every day I felt awful! I decided to try giving up gluten to see if it would help. I have been doing a lot of reading and learned that a person can have a sensitivity to gluten, but not have the actual autoimmune disorder (hence the negative test!). So I am trying out a gluten free die. And, for the most part, I am feeling much better! I have had so many ups and downs that I don't want to say that I have found the answer. But I have struggled for so long that I almost what it to be the gluten (Celiac or not) so that I have something specific I can do. My IBS strategies seem to be hit or miss, depending on whether I am doing well or not so well at a particular time.

I should have just sent you an email. I will be following along and wishing you so much luck in solving this. I would love to hear any helpful hints you might have.

Are you in Boston? I just moved back to Boston. I wonder if you have any good doctor recommendations in the area..... I need to find a new GI not that I have moved.

I hope it isn't celiac. :( That is what I have - although there really isn't a good, conclusive way to determine it. But since i removed gluten from my diet last Feb, I feel much, much better. So yah, it really sucks to pass on the bread basket when I am out to eat, but I feel so much less miserable. And aside from my stomach issues being gone, I don't get headaches, need less sleep, and feel just better in general... so there is an upside to removing gluten. But yah, it is a total pain. :(

dude that would be the worst! I was once told I was allergic to wheat... longest few weeks of my life til I got a second check. (and then a third) I love carbs myself. outback has a gluten-free menu just FYI, I'm sure other places do too. fingers crossed for you!

GF is not as bad as you may think! But the breads are really horrible - it is the one thing most Celiacs miss. There are great pastas out there though. If you have an auto-immune disease Celiac is the best one to have. No pills, no shots, no chemo, just change your diet. I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago and I will NEVER eat gluten again!! I have never felt so wonderful! 90% of ice cream is gluten free - no need to buy an ice cream maker (obviously avoid the cookie dough and brownie ice creams).